Pizza Inn names new CEO

Nov. 9, 2012

Texas-based Pizza Inn Holdings Inc. today announced that the board of directors has named Randy Gier as chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Gier succeeds Interim CEO Clinton J. Coleman, who will return to his role as a member of the board, where he has served since 2007. Former CEO Charlie Morrison stepped down in June to take the same position at fast casual chain Wingstop.

"After an extensive search with an exceptional field of highly-qualified candidates, the board has unanimously chosen Randy to be the visionary leader for Pizza Inn and Pie Five as we focus on the future, domestically and abroad, with two strong brands," Coleman said. "Randy brings an incredible resume to his new job, and he joins Pizza Inn Holdings at a pivotal moment in the company's history."

Gier brings nearly three decades of experience in the food and beverage industry to his new post. He has lead marketing, strategy and innovation as chief marketing officer at Yum! Restaurants International's Pizza Hut and KFC divisions, as well as at Dr Pepper/Snapple Group and Borden Dairy Company.

Prior to Yum!, he held executive positions in finance, general management and marketing throughout PepsiCo. Most recently, Gier served as founder and CEO of Savvy Fare Restaurant Group, based in Plano, Texas, where he launched and expanded the fast casual concept Cedars Woodfire Grill.

"Randy's leadership experience spans world-class brands and start-up game-changers," Coleman said. "He understands the complexities of a heritage brand as well as the nuances of incubating and franchising an innovative new concept."

Gier received a bachelor's of business administration degree from the University of Missouri and a master's of business administration degree from the University of Chicago; both with concentrations in finance.

"I am thrilled to be joining the amazing team at Pizza Inn," Gier said. "I look forward to working with our dedicated franchise partners, our hard working company associates, and our committed supplier network to drive profitable growth well into the future. Pizza Inn is an iconic brand with considerable growth potential and Pie Five is an exciting new brand poised to lead the fast casual pizza segment. Together they are the dynamic duo of the pizza business."

Gier joins the company just as its new Pie Five concept readies for growth acceleration. Pie Five provides more than five million combinations of made-to-order pizzas that are ready in less than 5 minutes. Guests select any sauce and topping combination or one of nine specialty pies, which are assembled on a 9-inch crispy thin, classic pan, Italian herb or gluten-free crust.

Founded by two Texas brothers in 1958 as one of the nation's first pizza buffet concepts, Pizza Inn has grown into an international food management firm (Pizza Inn Holdings Inc.) with restaurants from Mid-America to the Middle East.